The European Union’s commissioner for enlargement and neighborhood policy has praised Kosovo for its “hard work” in efforts to improve relations with Serbia.

Stefan Fuele told a press conference in Pristina that he would meet later on March 19 with Kosovo’s prime minister, deputy prime minister, and president to extend the EU’s support for efforts in maintaining a dialogue with Belgrade, which still considers Kosovo part of Serbia.

Fuele specifically mentioned Prime Minister Hashim Thaci’s work and called on Kosovo’s people to support Thaci and be prepared for “compromise and consensus” to move Kosovo forward on its path to European integration.

Fuele was in Belgrade on March 18 for talks with Serbian officials.

Another round of talks between Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Thaci aimed at easing tensions is expected on March 20 in Brussels.